Nfld raw 1 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Bledge Stevenson (ranked 22908 p4p, 24708 weight class) and Tom James (ranked 614 p4p, 611 weight class). Stevenson comes to the cage accompanied by Get The F Off My Lawn. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Stevenson
vs
James

200 cm
27
250
6 - 28 - 0

193 cm
24
249
0 - 4 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 28 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Bledge Stevenson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 4 - 0, fighting out of London, Tom James!
The judges for this bout are Steve Smith, Alec Ball and Gregory Folan.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
James tries to close the distance and clinch up but Stevenson swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Stevenson.
James looks to move to half guard but instead Stevenson has passed into mount! Damn!
James is wriggling around trying to escape.
Stevenson is in the full mount, landing strikes.
James looks winded!
Stevenson avoids the attempt from James to control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
James is working to get back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A nice elbow there by Stevenson.
Stevenson lands with some strikes.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
James is working to get back to half guard.
James taking shots to the head.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Stevenson avoids the attempt from James to control.
James is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Stevenson cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
James tries to hold on but Stevenson postures up.
Stevenson working James over with strikes here.
James takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Stevenson scores with a couple of good head shots there.
James is in a horrible position here. Stevenson smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Stevenson landing strikes from the mount and James is in trouble!
Stevenson with shots to the head and body - James looks very uncomfortable down there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stevenson working James over with strikes here.
Stevenson lands with some vicious ground and pound - can James hang on?
A big strike lands for Stevenson! That's really hurt James and he's turned his back - Stevenson keeps firing away and the ref dives in to stop the fight! Stevenson jumps to his feet to celebrate the victory!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:36 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Bledge Stevenson!
A very excited looking Bledge Stevenson made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
51%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Mason Rua (ranked 5649 p4p, 24795 weight class) and Dave Lummer (ranked 586 p4p, 662 weight class). Dave Lummer is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples.

Rua
vs
Lummer

198 cm
22
202
0 - 1 - 0

205 cm
26
215
1 - 6 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Counter fighter
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Mason Rua!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Dave Lummer!
The judges for this bout are Yves DeLean, Ian Loll and William Peck.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rua lands with a cross.
Lummer closes this distance looking for a takedown but Rua circles away.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Lummer.
Rua catches Lummer with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!

Rua shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Lummer napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Lummer regains half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Rua is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Rua controlling the action here.
Lummer is doing well to control the position and prevent Rua from advancing to side control.
Lummer is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.

Rua is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Lummer defends it well.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Rua is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Lummer sees it coming and defends easily.
Lummer trying to control here.
Lummer tries to get to full guard but Rua has control of the leg.
Rua throwing shots but Lummer is blocking nicely.
Lummer has his hands clasped together around Rua's back. He's all about the action.
Rua not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.

Rua is working for a submission of some sort.
Well, if Rua is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.

Rua seems to be working for a kimura but Lummer defends the submission attempt.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.

Rua is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Lummer defends it well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lummer has hold of Rua's hands but Rua slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Rua definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Lummer makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Lummer.
Rua knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Lummer on the ground.
Rua with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Rua has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Lummer wants to sweep but no luck.

Rua postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Lummer is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Rua, into his guard.

Rua utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Rua is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lummer working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Rua is pulling down on Lummer's head. It's preventing any offense from Lummer, at least for the moment.
Rua working a defensive guard here.

Lummer is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

Rua has his foot on Lummer's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Lummer works his way back into a safe position though.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Lummer stands and steps away. Rua gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Rua looks to land a right hand but Lummer moved out of range.
Lummer tries to counter with a clinch but Rua shakes him off and moves away.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mason Rua dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Lummer lands a body shot.
Lummer pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Lummer uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Rua.
Lummer fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Lummer falls off balance throwing a combination
and Rua counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Lummer lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Rua circles away quickly and effectively.
Rua throws an off balance right hand
and Lummer counters with a left and a right that stings Rua.
Rua misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rua shoots in for a takedown but Lummer shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.

Rua clinches.

Rua manages to break the clinch.
Lummer cracks Rua with an open hand slap.

It looks like Mason Rua has been cut.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rua swings for the body but Lummer moves out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lummer lands with a cross.

Rua is rocked!
Lummer throws a left and a right that both miss
and Rua counters with a straight right hand.
Oh Rua is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Lummer swinging wildly here.
Rua seems to have got his legs back now.
Lummer throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Lummer darts in looking for a takedown but Rua gets double underhooks and turns Lummer into the cage.
Lummer is breathing heavily.
Lummer will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Rua throwing a counter right hand but Lummer manages to avoid it.

Rua scores with a takedown into Lummer's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rua with a flurry of punches that miss.
Rua throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Lummer works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rua throwing strikes from guard but Lummer blocks nicely.
Rua postures up.
Rua working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

Rua postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Lummer is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Rua, into his guard.

The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Lummer passes Rua's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Lummer trying to control from half guard but Rua is working away.
Mason Rua overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rua is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Lummer is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Rua defends it well.
Lummer stops Rua from getting back to his feet.
Rua is looking to improve his position.
Rua trying to control here.
Rua blocking the ground and pound attempt from Lummer.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.

Lummer is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Rua is trying to get back to full guard.
Lummer looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Rua with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Lummer working Rua over with strikes.
Lummer working over Rua with some ground and pound. Rua looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.

Lummer seems to be working for a kimura but Rua defends the submission attempt.
Lummer wants to pass the guard but Rua is defending well.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Dave Lummer showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Mason Rua's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Rua throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Lummer gets in close and tags Rua with a short punch that almost sends Rua to the mat! Oh Rua is in big trouble! He turns his back on Lummer, trying to create some distance but Lummer rushes him, striking wildly and Rua goes down! The referee tackles Lummer into the cage to end the fight! Lummer is one violent man!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:10 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Dave Lummer!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
36%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Bryan Givens (ranked 5012 p4p, 24276 weight class) and Mickey Wong (ranked 454 p4p, 507 weight class). Mickey Wong is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Givens
vs
Wong

175 cm
20
160
2 - 1 - 0

170 cm
23
160
2 - 7 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Granite chin

Decent wrestler
Brawler
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Bryan Givens!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Mickey Wong!
The judges for this bout are Robert Douchet, Elvis Blanc and Steve Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Givens dives in for a single leg takedown but Wong sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Givens is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Wong pulls him back up using the underhooks.

Wong works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.

Givens working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Wong doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Wong manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Wong controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Givens managing to control the position.
Wong pushing down on Givens's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wong is taking a breather. Givens says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Let's hope that Wong has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Wong wants to pass the guard but Givens is defending well.
Givens wants to control but Wong is keeping busy and won't allow it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Still in half guard, Wong seems content to control.
Wong uses his free foot to push down on Givens's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Givens.
Givens tries to hold on but Wong postures up.
Wong takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Givens is desperately trying to improve his position but Wong has a good base and remains in mount.
Wong controlling his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Givens manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Well, if Wong is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.

Givens looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Givens is breathing heavily.
Wong is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Wong prevents Givens from improving his position.
Givens is trying to control but can't.
Wong is controlling the pace.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mickey Wong dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Wong shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Givens napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Givens seems a little lost for a moment, as Wong dominates the positioning.
Wong has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Givens is trying to get back to half guard.
Wong taking a breather here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Givens tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Wong wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Givens trying to remain calm as Wong controls from the top position.
Wong working away.
Wong controlling from side mount.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Givens throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Wong's waist but Wong gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Givens off to one side.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Wong fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Givens to the ground. Wong is now in Givens's guard.
Wong slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Mickey Wong has got the better of the ground game so far.
Wong is continuing to stall.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The adventures of Wong the control monster continue. Boring.

Givens has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Wong can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wong controls the pace of the fight for a moment.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

Wong closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Wong trying to control the pace.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Givens actively working from the bottom here.
Wong controlling the action here.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mickey Wong showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Wong gets the takedown into side control.
Givens is letting Wong control him for a moment.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Wong takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wong's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Givens tries to get back to half guard but can't.
The referee asks Wong politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Wong prefers to stall for the moment though.
Givens is trying to improve his position.
Givens is being controlled here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Givens fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Wong avoids it really well and circles away.

Wong feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Wong slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Wong passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Givens is looking for a sweep.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here.
Givens is trying to control Wong's posture but Wong avoids it.
Mickey Wong is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Wong staying calm.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Givens wings away with a couple of strikes but they don't land.
Bryan Givens has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Wong happy to just control the position for now.
Givens is trying to improve his position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Wong content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mickey Wong comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Wong has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 27:30
Judge Elvis Blanc scores the fight 27:30
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mickey Wong!
A very excited looking Mickey Wong rambled incoherently for about 5 minutes post fight about how awesome he is. It was kinda funny for a while but then everyone got annoyed.
Bryan Givens spoke after the fight, saying 'This is some bs'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
19%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Hick Diaz (ranked 3870 p4p, 24615 weight class) and Lorato Nyambe (ranked 462 p4p, 591 weight class). Fingers crossed for an exciting fight - I'm sure both fighters are looking for a nice under the table bonus!

Diaz
vs
Nyambe

180 cm
23
185
8 - 7 - 0

175 cm
26
170
1 - 6 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Cardio machine

Good takedowns
Brawler
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Hick Diaz!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Lorato Nyambe!
The judges for this bout are Steve Smith, Dillan Fox and Ian Loll.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Diaz bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Diaz scoring with punches from side control.
Diaz has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

Diaz is in a dominant position here, looking for a kimura. Nyambe looks calm but he's in trouble here. Diaz gets his leg over his opponent's head and yanks on the arm. Nyambe is tapping like a morse code operator on the titanic! SOS! SOS! Diaz lets go of the hold and Nyambe can pop his arm back in it's socket.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:23 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Hick Diaz!
Hick Diaz decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Romero Castilho (ranked 3660 p4p, 4032 weight class) and Ross Nyland (ranked 463 p4p, 494 weight class). Ross Nyland has the eye of the tiger tonight.

Castilho
vs
Nyland

185 cm
24
209
3 - 4 - 0

201 cm
27
215
3 - 6 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Romero Castilho!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Ross Nyland!
The judges for this bout are Steve Smith, Ian Loll and Dillan Fox.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Castilho keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

Nyland clinches up against the cage.

Nyland drags the fight down to the ground.
Castilho won't allow Nyland to sweep him here.

Castilho gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Castilho tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Castilho has managed to clinch.
Nyland is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Castilho gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Castilho throws a head punch that misses.

Nyland jumps guard and drags Castilho to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nyland wants to stand and escape but Castilho is having none of it.

Castilho gets to his feet - Nyland follows without any prompting.

Nyland shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Castilho's guard.

Castilho has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Nyland off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Romero Castilho is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Nyland shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Castilho as he jumps to the side.
Romero Castilho has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ross Nyland.

Castilho closes the distance and clinches.
Nyland drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Castilho gets the underhooks and prevents it.
A head punch on the inside from Castilho fails to land.
Nyland working hard to break the clinch.

Nyland pulls Castilho into guard.
Nyland is trying to control the position but Castilho postures up.
Castilho is looking to stand up but Nyland won't let him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nyland tries to land a sweep but no joy.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Castilho postures up.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Castilho steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Nyland. That one must have hurt.
Danga de danga de dang - Nyland scores with a four punch combination!
Nyland tries to clinch up but Castilho circles away and keeps his distance.
Castilho tries to clinch up but Nyland circles away and keeps his distance.
Castilho fails with an attempt to clinch.

Castilho moves into range and clinches up with Nyland.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nyland tries to stall but Castilho uses the opportunity to gain a better position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Castilho lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.

Nyland breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Nyland is trying hard to land a takedown here. Castilho sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Nyland doesn't manage to clinch there - Castilho circles away.
Nyland will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Castilho's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Nyland connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Castilho scrambles back to his feet.

Castilho clinches up against the cage.
Castilho lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Castilho working aggressively here.
Castilho throws a head punch that misses.
Castilho misses with a hook from the clinch.
Castilho misses with a short punch on the inside.
Castilho lands a shoulder strike.
Castilho working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Castilho has a couple of punches blocked by Nyland.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Castilho working aggressively here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Castilho misses with a punch on the inside.
Castilho keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Nyland's efforts to push away.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Castilho.
Castilho fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A short uppercut from Nyland.
Nyland wants to break free but Castilho has control.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Nyland takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Nyland blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Nyland takes a shot to the head.
Nyland blocks an uppercut.
Castilho tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

Nyland successfully pulls guard.
Nyland is trying to control the position but Castilho postures up.
Castilho definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Castilho has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Nyland has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Castilho is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Nyland.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Romero Castilho dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Castilho tries to clinch up but Nyland circles away and keeps his distance.

Castilho has Nyland up against the cage in a clinch.
Castilho is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Nyland can do to turn this around?
Castilho lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Nyland backwards.
Castilho has a couple of punches blocked by Nyland.
Nyland tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Castilho just stands there and leans against the cage.

Nyland pulls guard effortlessly.
Nyland looking for a sweep. Not yet Nyland, not yet.
Nyland is trying to control the position from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Nyland is working an open guard so Castilho takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

Nyland has managed to clinch.
Nyland blocks an uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nyland blocking some punches.
Castilho lands a hook to the side of the head.

Nyland gets control of Castilho's arms and successfully pulls guard. Nyland will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Nyland trying to control the position.

Nyland is actively looking for submissions from his back. He's worked himself a little space on the bottom and seems to be going for a triangle. No, he's switched into an armbar! That was slick! Castilho rolls with it to try and escape but Nyland cranks on the arm and Castilho is forced to tap out! This one is aaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:36 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Ross Nyland!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
50%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Rob Smith (ranked 1448 p4p, 2971 weight class) and Raul Kyshenko (ranked 198 p4p, 379 weight class). Both fighters will be looking to make this an exciting fight for the fans, I'm sure!

Smith
vs
Kyshenko

185 cm
22
220
8 - 5 - 0

184 cm
37
220
14 - 15 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Barry Bonds Performance Enhancers -160Q
Bondi MMA ðŸï¸

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 5 - 0, fighting out of New York, Rob Smith!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 15 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Raul Kyshenko!
The judges for this bout are Gregory Folan, Yves DeLean and Robert Douchet.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smith throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kyshenko shoots in but Smith avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Smith appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Smith sizes up Kyshenko with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.

It looks like Raul Kyshenko has been cut.
Smith stuffs the takedown attempt from Kyshenko. Kyshenko gets slowly back to his feet.
Smith attempts a counter takedown but Kyshenko avoids it well and moves away.
Raul Kyshenko seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kyshenko fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Smith avoids it really well and circles away.
Rob Smith has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Raul Kyshenko.
Kyshenko takes a jab right on the kisser.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Smith scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Kyshenko is looking for a sweep.
Smith scores with punches from side control.
Kyshenko is working to avoid the ground and pound but Smith connects with a decent elbow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kyshenko is trying to get back to half guard.
Smith connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Kyshenko some visible discomfort.
Smith grinds an elbow into Kyshenko's temple.
Kyshenko takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Smith connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Kyshenko some visible discomfort.
Smith works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Kyshenko taking a bit of punishment here - Smith scoring with strikes.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Smith is working Kyshenko over with some ground and pound from side control.
Smith tries to advance to mount but can't.
Kyshenko takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith lands an elbow.
Kyshenko is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Smith working the ground and pound.
Smith lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Kyshenko down.
Smith landing strikes.
Kyshenko takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Smith working the head and body with strikes.
Kyshenko is looking for a sweep.
Smith looks up at the clock and then as Kyshenko takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Smith smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Smith scores with punches from side control.
Smith lands some shots froms side control.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Smith scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Kyshenko to see if he's OK.

Kyshenko is rocked!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kyshenko is looking for a sweep.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Smith lands some shots froms side control.
Kyshenko is still in real trouble! Can Smith finish him?
Kyshenko takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
A big shot lands for Smith! That's hurt Kyshenko! Will he recover? Smith fires away with more strikes and the referee has to step in to stop the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:37 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Rob Smith!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
54%

Main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Frederick Zwirn (ranked 1539 p4p, 2055 weight class) and Romega Vartanein (ranked 203 p4p, 254 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Zwirn
vs
Vartanein

174 cm
37
162
18 - 11 - 0

179 cm
25
130
6 - 13 - 1

Good wrestling
Great elbows
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 18 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Frederick Zwirn!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 13 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Romega Vartanein!
The judges for this bout are Dillan Fox, Steve Smith and Robert Douchet.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice jab there from Vartanein.
Nice uppercut lands for Zwirn. That snapped Vartanein's head back.

Vartanein is rocked!

It looks like Romega Vartanein has been cut.

Vartanein tries to keep at a distance but Zwirn has taken the fight into the clinch.
Vartanein is still on wobbly legs! Can Zwirn finish him?
Vartanein lands a left hand that snaps the head of Zwirn backwards.
Vartanein avoids a wild elbow strike from Zwirn.
Vartanein seems to have recovered his senses.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Zwirn just misses with a elbow thrown towards Vartanein's brow.
Vartanein blocks an elbow strike from Zwirn.
Zwirn throws an elbow but it misses.
Zwirn throws an elbow but it misses.
Zwirn lands a damaging elbow.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Zwirn.
Vartanein is trying to maintain a safe position but Zwirn gets an underhook and turns Vartanein into the cage.

Vartanein breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Vartanein jabs at Zwirn's body.
Vartanein uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Zwirn.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Vartanein lands with a straight right. Zwirn didn't see that one coming.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zwirn steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Vartanein.
Vartanein is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Nice straight punches there by Vartanein. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Vartanein.
Vartanein lands a right hook to the body.
Vartanein misses with an uppercut.

Zwirn clinches with his opponent.
Vartanein is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Vartanein avoids the elbow strike from Zwirn, against the cage.
Zwirn pushes off an throws an elbow but Vartanein leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
With the fighters up against the cage, Zwirn throws an elbow but misses.
Zwirn throws an elbow but it misses.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Vartanein blocks an elbow strike from Zwirn.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vartanein misses with the head strike.
Zwirn pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Zwirn pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Zwirn looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Zwirn throws an elbow but it misses.
Vartanein taking a breather.
Zwirn throws an elbow that misses.
Zwirn lands a nice elbow.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Vartanein blocks the elbow strike.
Vartanein effectively controlling the action here.
Zwirn takes an elbow to the temple.
Zwirn lands an elbow inside that Vartanein shrugs off.

That has opened up Romega Vartanein's cut even more.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zwirn pushes off an throws an elbow but Vartanein leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Zwirn throws an elbow but it misses.
Zwirn throws an elbow but it misses.
Vartanein avoids a wild elbow strike from Zwirn.
Vartanein tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Zwirn avoids it.
Zwirn looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Vartanein blocks an elbow strike from Zwirn.

Vartanein manages to break the clinch.
Zwirn lands a nice looking body shot.
Zwirn lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Vartanein at a distance.
Vartanein throws a shot to the body.
Vartanein looks to score with a jab to the body but Zwirn is just out of range.
Zwirn keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Vartanein lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Zwirn at a distance.
Zwirn lands a head shot.
Vartanein is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Zwirn rather than just go for the knockout.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zwirn takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Zwirn keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Vartanein.
Zwirn keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Vartanein.
Vartanein walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Zwirn jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Zwirn with a jab.
Vartanein ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Zwirn moves away.
Vartanein looks to land a left hand but Zwirn moved out of range nicely.
Vartanein loads up on a big right hand but Zwirn slips the punch.
Vartanein ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Zwirn moves away.
Vartanein walks straight into a right hand from Zwirn - that's dropped him! Zwirn jumps into mount and starts pounding away - can he finish?! More strikes go undefended and the referee has to dive in to save Vartanein from any more punishment! Vartanein complains about the stoppage but falls over as he tries to stand back up, so it was clearly a good stoppage.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:36 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Frederick Zwirn!
Frederick Zwirn took some time post fight to say the following; 'Thanks for Nfld signing me and giving this fight quickly, I don't care who I fight next but I just want to get back in the octagon as soon as I can! '.